Cemeteries

"Cities of the Dead"

New Orleans is known for its cemeteries, which have become major tourist attractions. As you can see in the photo above, the graves are above ground. This is given that the city of New Orleans is built on a swamp, therefore the bodies must be preserved above ground. The grave sites are embellished with decorative artwork and sculptures, almost resembling a small village. 

St. Louis Cemetery

Considered New Orleans most famous cemetery, the St. Louis Cemetery houses the corpses of many New Orleans legends including Marie Laveua, renowned Voodoo queen. Voodoo and hoodoo followers frequent her burial site, hoping that her spirit will return with blessings, not curses. Her grave is marked with x's by patrons who come pay her a visit, to show their gratitude and spiritual connection. This cemetery can be toured, but only at your own risk. 

Benevolence societies were created for those that could not afford proper burial. With these society, community graves are created for members. These graves can hold thousands of remains at a time, within the various tiers. 

- These became very popular in the 1800s, given that the St. Louis cemetery was overcrowded with yellow fever and malaria. Eventually this led to the creation of St. Louis cemetery 2 and 3. 

      - During this time, mortuary chapels had to be created at the cemetery, so that sick bodies were not being transported through the towns and churches, spreading more disease. At this time, everyone was required to be catholic, therefore they require properly burials and needed a chapel for ceremonies. 

Photo taken at St. Louis Cemetery 1 by Morgan Skinner

The cemeteries were also segregated by religion (Protestant vs. Catholic), but not by race. 

Aside from benevolence societies, families also shared graves and tombs. This varied from 2-3 tier tomb stones that housed the remains of the family members together. The shared site would have 2 "active" family members in the top tombs (casket with remains) and then the other family members remains would all be combined in the bottom tier. 

Cemeteries to Tour in New Orleans

TOUR GUIDE REQUIRED

• Cypress Grove
• Gates of Prayer (Cemetery 1 and 2).
• Greenwood
• Hebrew Rest
• Holt
• Lafayette (Cemetery 1 and 2)
• Masonic
• St. Louis Cemetery (1, 2, and 3)
• St. Patricks Cemetery (1, 2, and 3). 
• St. Roch

Watch and find out why New Orleans is considered the most haunted city in America...

Take a New Orleans cemetery tour today!

Information provided by Morgan Skinner

"New Orleans Cemeteries. Cities of the Dead." New Orleans Online. New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. 2016. Web. Accessed December 2016.